2020 Best Coding Bootcamps

Our top 10 best coding bootcamps of 2020 have hundreds of alumni reviews. The average score for these bootcamps is 4.7 out of 5. Each coding program offers a comprehensive curriculum of real-world skills, and many bootcamps also foster a strong support community. The top 10 coding bootcamps are:

1. Le Wagon
2. App Academy
3. Ironhack
4. General Assembly
5. Hackwagon Academy
6. Springboard
7. Udacity
8. Bloc
9. Thinkful
10. NYC Data Science Academy

A coding bootcamp is an intensive program that teaches people how to code in a short amount of time. It can be a more affordable alternative to a degree, and it helps build practical and professional skills. The average length of a coding bootcamp is typically between 3-6 months, but coding bootcamps can be shorter or longer; there are programs that can last for a couple of years. Bootcamps generally offer a curriculum that includes popular programming languages, and their goal is for graduates to master in-demand skills and land a job.

We frequently see the question, is a coding bootcamp hard? Coding has a stigma of being extremely difficult, but anyone can learn; it just takes effort and time. A great way to learn is through a coding bootcamp, where you will receive a lot of practice and can ask instructors and classmates questions if you get stuck. However, before you enroll in a bootcamp, it could be beneficial to take a prep course to learn some of the basics.

The short answer is yes. Coding bootcamps are intensive programs that reduce the amount of time it takes to learn career-ready skills and are often more affordable than a 4-year computer science degree. While you still have to invest time, money, and intensive focus into coding bootcamps, they can increase your career opportunities and your salary potential in a shorter period of time than it takes to earn a bachelor's degree. A 2018 SwitchUp survey of 1,500 bootcamp graduates found that upon finishing a bootcamp, 80.9% of alumni were employed, and 71.0% of those employed respondents were working full-time. You can learn more about if coding bootcamps are worth it here.

Attending a coding bootcamp is a personal decision. However, coding bootcamps often demand intensive focus and time, so it’s crucial to understand what it entails and is important to find a bootcamp that meets your needs. When deciding which coding bootcamp is right for you, you should look into whether programs are in-person or online, are part-time or full-time, provide financial assistance or deferment of some kind, and offer topics that interest you. Some programs, like GA Dash or Flatiron’s Free Coding Bootcamp Prep, offer free coding courses to get a sample of what you’ll experience. An online coding course can give you insight as well.

When choosing a coding bootcamp, consider your lifestyle and goals. Identify your goals by asking questions like: what is my dream job, where do I want to work, and how much time and finances can I invest right now? After you understand your goals, research bootcamps that meet your needs. Some things to look at are their student reviews, outcomes, location, duration, and teaching style. For more information, read Your Guide to Choosing a Bootcamp: A Checklist or use our “Get Matched” tool to get started.

The cost of a coding bootcamp will vary, but on average, it ranges between $5,000 - $17,000. There are several ways to pay for tuition. Some students will pay costs upfront, but you have the option to finance your education too. Bootcamps also might offer financial aid and scholarships, and it's becoming more common for bootcamps to offer ISA's or deferred tuition.

If you want to learn to code for free, there are several bootcamps, courses, and online resources that allow you to acquire coding skills in either an educational setting with assistance or at your own pace. For in-depth information on how to learn to code for free, read our Free Coding Bootcamp Guide.

Startups and big companies such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Twitter do hire coding bootcamp graduates. Surveys have shown that employers have a favorable view of coding bootcamps, and our own data supports that alumni find careers in the tech field after graduation. If your goal is to land a new job in tech, then you should research programs that are known for having relationships with companies or that offer career support or have a job placement guarantee. You will still need to do the prep work and apply for positions, but attending a bootcamp with strong job support will give you an advantage. Job climates and availability where you live will influence how readily you find a position in the tech field as well.

While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows a slight decline in job outlook, software developers and engineers are still very much in demand. Software developers and engineers that stay on top of industry trends and skills will likely be able to secure work. People can also increase their employability with strong, in-demand skills, a quality portfolio, and solid interview abilities. Coding and programming bootcamps can help increase these skills.

It’s not always clear where to start when choosing the best bootcamp for you. Our Get Matched tool was designed to give you a place to begin. Based on the information you provide, we match you with a highly-rated bootcamp, and that bootcamp will reach out to you to answer any questions you have and see if they can meet your needs.